Course Catalog

Description

The freshman-year English courses invite students to explore diverse texts organized into thematic units. Students will engage in literary analysis and inferential evaluation of great texts both classic and contemporary. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and literary nonfiction, students will master comprehension and literary-analysis strategies. Interwoven in the lessons across two semesters are activities that encourage students to strengthen their oral language skills and produce clear, coherent writing. Students will read a range of classic texts including Homer’s The Odyssey, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game.” They will study short but complex texts, including influential speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. Contemporary texts by Richard Preston, Julia Alvarez, Paul B. Janeczko, and Maya Angelou round out the course.
 

Prerequisites

English 8/8th Grade Language Arts Course (Full Year)

Description

The sophomore-year English courses invite students to explore a diverse selection of world literature organized into thematic units. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and expository nonfiction, students learn essential reading comprehension strategies and engage in literary analysis and evaluation of both classic and contemporary works. Interwoven in the lessons across two semesters are activities that encourage students to strengthen their listening and speaking skills and produce clear, coherent writing. Throughout the course, students read a range of classic and contemporary literary texts including Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, George Orwell’s Animal Farm, and Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis. In addition to reading a wide range of literary texts, students read and analyze complex informational and argumentative texts including Sonia Sotomayor’s "A Latina Judge's Voice," Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince, and the contemporary informational text Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science.
 

Prerequisites

English 9 A and B/9th Grade Language Arts Course (Full Year)

Description

This English course invites students to delve into American literature, from early American Indian voices through thoughtful contemporary works. Students will engage in literary analysis and inferential evaluation of great texts, the centerpieces of this course. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and expository nonfiction, students will master comprehension and literary-analysis strategies. Interwoven in the lessons across two semesters are tasks that encourage students to strengthen their oral language skills and produce creative, coherent writing. Students will read a range of short but complex texts, including works by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emily Dickinson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Langston Hughes, Martin Luther King, Jr., F. Scott Fitzgerald, Leslie Marmon Silko, Judith Ortiz Cofer, Amy Tan, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Michio Kaku.
 

Prerequisites

English 10 A and B/10th Grade Language Arts Course (full year)

Description

The senior-year English Language Arts courses invite you to explore a diverse collection of texts organized into thematic units. You will engage in literary analysis and inferential evaluation of both classic and contemporary literature. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and expository nonfiction, you will learn comprehension and literary-analysis strategies. Tasks will encourage you to strengthen your oral language skills and produce creative, coherent writing. You will read a range of classic texts including the ancient epic Gilgamesh, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. You will study short but complex texts, including essays by Jonathan Swift and Mary Wollstonecraft, and influential speeches by Queen Elizabeth I and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Modern and contemporary texts by Rabindranath Tagore, Seamus Heaney, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Derek Walcott round out the course.
 

Prerequisites

English 11 A and B/11th Grade Language Arts Course (Full year)

Description

The freshman-year English courses invite students to explore diverse texts organized into thematic units. Students will engage in literary analysis and inferential evaluation of great texts both classic and contemporary. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and literary nonfiction, students will master comprehension and literary-analysis strategies. Interwoven in the lessons across two semesters are activities that encourage students to strengthen their oral language skills and produce clear, coherent writing. Students will read a range of classic texts including Homer’s The Odyssey, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game.” They will study short but complex texts, including influential speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. Contemporary texts by Richard Preston, Julia Alvarez, Paul B. Janeczko, and Maya Angelou round out the course.
 

Prerequisites

English 8/8th Grade Language Arts Course (Full Year)

Description

The sophomore-year English courses invite students to explore a diverse selection of world literature organized into thematic units. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and expository nonfiction, students learn essential reading comprehension strategies and engage in literary analysis and evaluation of both classic and contemporary works. Interwoven in the lessons across two semesters are activities that encourage students to strengthen their listening and speaking skills and produce clear, coherent writing. Throughout the course, students read a range of classic and contemporary literary texts including Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, George Orwell’s Animal Farm, and Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis. In addition to reading a wide range of literary texts, students read and analyze complex informational and argumentative texts including Sonia Sotomayor’s "A Latina Judge's Voice," Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince, and the contemporary informational text Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science.
 

Prerequisites

English 9 A and B/9th Grade Language Arts Course (Full Year)

Description

The junior-year English courses invite students to continue to delve into American literature, from early American Indian voices through thoughtful contemporary works. Students will engage in literary analysis and inferential evaluation of great texts, the centerpieces of this course. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and expository nonfiction, students will master comprehension and literary-analysis strategies. Interwoven in the lessons across two semesters are tasks that encourage students to strengthen their oral language skills and produce creative, coherent writing. Students will read a range of short but complex texts, including works by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emily Dickinson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Langston Hughes, Martin Luther King, Jr., F. Scott Fitzgerald, Leslie Marmon Silko, Judith Ortiz Cofer, Amy Tan, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Michio Kaku.
 

Prerequisites

English 10 A and B/10th Grade Language Arts Course (full year)

Description

The senior-year English Language Arts courses invite you to continue to explore a diverse collection of texts organized into thematic units. You will engage in literary analysis and inferential evaluation of both classic and contemporary literature. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and expository nonfiction, you will learn comprehension and literary-analysis strategies. Tasks will encourage you to strengthen your oral language skills and produce creative, coherent writing. You will read a range of classic texts including the ancient epic Gilgamesh, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. You will study short but complex texts, including essays by Jonathan Swift and Mary Wollstonecraft, and influential speeches by Queen Elizabeth I and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Modern and contemporary texts by Rabindranath Tagore, Seamus Heaney, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Derek Walcott round out the course.
 

Prerequisites

English 11 A and B/11th Grade Language Arts Course (Full year)

Description

This freshman honors English course invites students to explore a variety of diverse and complex texts organized into thematic units. Students will engage in literary analysis and inferential evaluation of great texts, both classic and contemporary. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and literary nonfiction, honors students will master comprehension, use evidence to conduct in-depth literary analysis, and examine and critique how authors develop ideas in a variety of genres. Interwoven throughout the lessons are activities that encourage students to strengthen their oral language skills, research and critically analyze sources of information, and produce clear, coherent writing. In addition to activities offered to students in core courses, honors students are given additional opportunities to create and to participate in project-based learning activities, including writing a Shakespearian sonnet and creating an original interpretation of a Shakespearian play. Honors students will read a range of classic texts, including Homer’s The Odyssey, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Jack London’s “To Build a Fire” and Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game.” Students will also read Sue Macy’s full length nonfiction work Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way), and will study a variety of short but complex texts, including influential speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. Contemporary texts by Richard Preston, Julia Alvarez, and Maya Angelou round out the course.
 

Prerequisites

English 8 A and B/8th Grade Language Arts Course (Full year)
Permission from the teacher is required for entry into this course.

Description

The sophomore-year Honors English courses provide engaging and rigorous lessons with a focus on academic inquiry to strengthen knowledge of language arts. Honors reading lessons require analyzing complex texts, while concise mini-lessons advance writing and research skills to craft strong, compelling essays and projects. Students will write argumentative and analytical essays based on literary texts, as well as an informative research paper using MLA style. Throughout the course, students read a range of classic and contemporary literary texts including Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, George Orwell’s Animal Farm, and Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis. In addition to reading a wide range of literary texts, students read and analyze complex informational and argumentative texts including Sonia Sotomayor’s "A Latina Judge's Voice," Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince, and the contemporary informational text Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science.Modern and contemporary texts by Rabindranath Tagore, Seamus Heaney, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Derek Walcott round out the course.
 

Prerequisites

English 9 A and B/9th Grade Language Arts Course (Full year)
Permission from the teacher is required for entry into this course.

Description

The junior-year honors English courses invite students to delve into American literature from early American Indian voices through contemporary works. Students will engage in literary analysis and inferential evaluation of great texts, including the full length novel The Awakening by Kate Chopin. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and expository nonfiction, honors students will master comprehension, use evidence to conduct in-depth literary analysis, and examine and critique how authors develop ideas in a variety of genres. Interwoven throughout the lessons are activities that encourage students to strengthen their oral language skills, research and critically analyze sources of information, and produce clear, coherent writing. To round out the course, students will read a range of short but complex texts, including Henry David Thoreau’s essay "Civil Disobedience,” Floyd Dell’s drama King Arthur’s Socks, and works by Emily Dickinson, Herman Melville, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Martin Luther King, Jr., F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sandra Cisneros, Amy Tan, and Dave Eggers.
 

Prerequisites

English 10 A and B/10th Grade Language Arts Course (Full year)
Permission from the teacher is required for entry into this course.

Description

This senior-year honors English course invites students to delve into British literature, from ancient texts such as the epic of Beowulf through contemporary works. Students will engage in a variety of rigorous lessons with a focus on academic inquiry, literary analysis, and inferential evaluation. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and expository nonfiction, honors students will master comprehension, use evidence to conduct in-depth literary analysis, examine and critique how authors develop ideas in a variety of genres, and synthesize ideas across multiple texts. In addition to activities offered to students in core courses, honors students are given additional opportunities to create and participate in project-based learning activities, including creating a time travel brochure and an original interpretation of William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet. Honors students will read a range of classic texts, including Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, “Politics and the English Language” by George Orwell, and William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet. In addition to full length works, students will read a variety of excerpts, including readings from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects, and Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, as well as a variety of short fiction, speeches, and poetry.
 

Prerequisites

English 11 A and B/11th Grade Language Arts Course (Full year)
Permission from the teacher is required for entry into this course.

Description

The freshman-year English courses invite students to explore diverse texts organized into thematic units. Students will engage in literary analysis and inferential evaluation of great texts both classic and contemporary. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and literary nonfiction, students will master comprehension and literary-analysis strategies. Interwoven in the lessons across two semesters are activities that encourage students to strengthen their oral language skills and produce clear, coherent writing. Students will read a range of classic texts including Homer’s The Odyssey, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game.” They will study short but complex texts, including influential speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. Contemporary texts by Richard Preston, Julia Alvarez, Paul B. Janeczko, and Maya Angelou round out the course.
 

Prerequisites

English 8 A and B/8th Grade Language Arts Course (Full year)
Permission from the teacher is required for entry into this course.

Description

The sophomore-year English courses invite students to explore a diverse selection of world literature organized into thematic units. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and expository nonfiction, students learn essential reading comprehension strategies and engage in literary analysis and evaluation of both classic and contemporary works. Interwoven in the lessons across two semesters are activities that encourage students to strengthen their listening and speaking skills and produce clear, coherent writing. Throughout the course, students read a range of classic and contemporary literary texts including Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, George Orwell’s Animal Farm, and Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis. In addition to reading a wide range of literary texts, students read and analyze complex informational and argumentative texts including Sonia Sotomayor’s "A Latina Judge's Voice," Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince, and the contemporary informational text Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science.
 

Prerequisites

English 9 A and B/9th Grade Language Arts Course (Full year)
Permission from the teacher is required for entry into this course.

Description

The junior-year English courses invite students to continue to delve into American literature, from early American Indian voices through thoughtful contemporary works. Students will engage in literary analysis and inferential evaluation of great texts, the centerpieces of this course. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and expository nonfiction, students will master comprehension and literary-analysis strategies. Interwoven in the lessons across two semesters are tasks that encourage students to strengthen their oral language skills and produce creative, coherent writing. Students will read a range of short but complex texts, including works by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emily Dickinson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Langston Hughes, Martin Luther King, Jr., F. Scott Fitzgerald, Leslie Marmon Silko, Judith Ortiz Cofer, Amy Tan, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Michio Kaku.
 

Prerequisites

English 10 A and B/10th Grade Language Arts Course (Full year)
Permission from the teacher is required for entry into this course.

Description

The senior-year English Language Arts courses invite you to continue to explore a diverse collection of texts organized into thematic units. You will engage in literary analysis and inferential evaluation of both classic and contemporary literature. While critically reading fiction, poetry, drama, and expository nonfiction, you will learn comprehension and literary-analysis strategies. Tasks will encourage you to strengthen your oral language skills and produce creative, coherent writing. You will read a range of classic texts including the ancient epic Gilgamesh, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. You will study short but complex texts, including essays by Jonathan Swift and Mary Wollstonecraft, and influential speeches by Queen Elizabeth I and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Modern and contemporary texts by Rabindranath Tagore, Seamus Heaney, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Derek Walcott round out the course.
 

Prerequisites

English 11 A and B/11th Grade Language Arts Course (Full year)
Permission from the teacher is required for entry into this course.

Description

This one semester course is designed for students who have completed a middle school mathematics sequence but are not yet Algebra-ready. This course reviews key algebra readiness skills from the middle grades and introduces basic Algebra I work with appropriate support. Students revisit concepts in number and operations, expressions and equations, ratio and proportion, and basic functions. By the end of the course, students are ready to begin a more formal high school Algebra I study.
 

Prerequisites

It is extremely helpful if students have taken and passed an 8th grade algebra or pre-algebra prior to taking this class, but it is not absolutely required. Students with a good understanding of basic math and introductory algebra will have an advantage in succeeding in this course.

Description

This one semester course is designed for students who have completed middle school mathematics/Algebra 1. It reviews some concepts from Algebra 1, then bridges the concepts between Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. This course studies linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities, representing relationships, linear functions, polynomials and factoring. This course is not required for graduation but is often taken to gain the required number of credits and to prepare for Geometry and Algebra 2, which are required for graduation.
 

Prerequisites

It is extremely helpful if students have taken and passed an 8th grade algebra or pre-algebra prior to taking this class, but it is not absolutely required. Students with a good understanding of basic math and introductory algebra will have an advantage in succeeding in this course.

Description

Geometry - Semester A is the first part of a two-semester, full-year course based on the Minnesota 9th - 12th grade mathematics standards. This one semester course is a comprehensive look at the study of geometric concepts including the basic elements of angles and lines, Polygons and their properties, Triangles and Similar Figures.
 

Prerequisites

It is extremely helpful if students have taken and passed an Algebra I class prior to taking this class, but it is not absolutely required. Students with a good understanding of elementary and intermediate algebra will have an advantage in succeeding in this course.

Description

Geometry B is a semester long, high school math course for the student who has successfully completed the prerequisite course, Geometry A. The course is a comprehensive look at the study of geometric concepts including the basic elements of circles, Volume and Surface Area, Transformations and Triangle Congruency.
 

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Geometry A

Description

This one semester course is designed for students who have completed Geometry. This course reviews key algebra readiness skills including expressions, equations, inequalities and absolute value. Students then go on to learn about  functions, specifically linear and absolute value functions and systems of equations and inequalities.
 

Prerequisites

Algebra I is a prerequisite to this course. It is also recommended that students have already participated in at least one semester of Geometry.

Description

Algebra IIB is a one semester, high school math course intended for the student who has successfully completed the prerequisite course Algebra IIA. This course studies exponents and radicals, polynomials and factoring, then goes into the studies of quadratic and exponential functions and the connections of functions to geometric and arithmetic sequences.
 

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Algebra 2 - Semester A

Description

Probability and statistics is a semester-long  high school course that gives students an overview of basic concepts of statistics, with an emphasis on descriptive statistics. The semester begins with the key concepts of data, samples, and populations. Students will create visual representations of data sets, such as histograms and bar graphs. Students will describe the central tendency and spread of data for a data set. Students will look for patterns in a data set and determine models based on those patterns.
 

Prerequisites

Algebra 1 or Intermediate Algebra

Description

Trigonometry is a one-semester course that is intended to give students a firm grasp on concepts that will lead to College Algebra or Calculus. The materials cover a development of trigonometry from right triangle trigonometry to oblique triangles and the polar plane. Throughout the course, students will develop trigonometric formulas and use them in real-world applications, evaluate trigonometric proofs using complex trigonometric identities and solving trigonometric equations with regard to the unit circle.
 

Prerequisites

Algebra 2A and 2B, Geometry

Description

Pre-calculus is a semester, high school credit course that is intended for the student who has successfully mastered the core algebraic and conceptual geometric concepts covered in the prerequisite courses: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. The course primarily focuses on the skills and methods of analytic geometry and trigonometry while investigating further relationships in functions, probability, number theory, limits, and the introduction of derivatives.
 

Prerequisites

Both A and B parts of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II.

Pre-calculus B

Pre-calculus B is a semester, high school credit course that is intended for the student who has successfully mastered the core algebraic and conceptual geometric concepts covered in the prerequisite courses: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II and Pre-Calc A. The course primarily focuses on the skills and methods of analytic geometry and trigonometry while investigating further relationships in functions, probability, number theory, limits, and the introduction of derivatives.
 

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Pre-Calculus A

Description

This one semester elective math course exposes students to working with whole numbers, integers, decimals, fractions, exponents, ratios, proportions and percents all within a real-world context. This is a good option for anyone wanting to go directly into the workforce from high school or who may plan on attending a technical school in the future.
 

Prerequisites

Teacher recommendation.

Description

This one semester elective math course exposes students to working with measurement, formulas and equations, the coordinate plane, circles, triangles, 2D geometry, 3D geometry and statistics all within a real-world context. This is a good option for anyone wanting to go directly into the workforce from high school or who may plan on attending a technical school in the future.
 

Prerequisites

Teacher recommendation.

Description

Earth/Space Science A is the first part of a two-semester, full-year course structured around the Minnesota 9th - 12th grade science standards. The course starts with a tour through our solar system, and the evidence for the mechanism by which our sun and planets formed.  This leads to an understanding of the differences between the inner, rocky planets, and the gas giants such as Jupiter and Saturn in the outer reaches of the solar system. The development of ancient astronomy is explored within the context of various human cultures, and then the contributions of modern astronomy, including Hubble Telescope photographs of the Milky Way galaxy and beyond.  We will study the birth, life, and death of stars such as our own sun, and observe telescope images of distant galaxies of stars within our expanding universe. Finally, before returning to Earth, which is the focus of the second semester, we will do some thought experiments as to the possibility of life on other worlds.

Description

Biology A is a semester-long course aligned to the MN State Standards. Biology is intended to expose students to the designs and patterns of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. The major concepts covered are taxonomy, the chemical basis of life, cellular structure and function, genetics, microbiology, plant structure and function, animal structure and function, and ecology and the environment.
 

Prerequisites

Students need to have successfully completed the Physical Science Course and should be preceded or accompanied by an Algebra I course. In preceding years, students should have developed a foundational understanding of life sciences. Expanding on that, this Biology course will incorporate more abstract knowledge. The student’s understanding should encompass both the micro and macro aspects of life, and this biology course includes both.

Description

Chemistry - Semester A is the first part of a two-semester, full-year course structured around the Minnesota 9th - 12th grade science standards. Chemistry - Semester A introduces basic fundamental chemistry concepts to teach scientific inquiry and the chemical and physical properties of matter. This course also utilizes a learning management system (Edgenuity) to present chemistry concepts in relevant, real world situations. The first semester of this course requires application of basic mathematical calculations to support understanding of chemical law and theory.
 

Prerequisites

It is very helpful if students have passed an Algebra I class and an introductory Physical Science class before taking this Chemistry class, but it is not required. Students with a better understanding of basic Algebra will be more prepared for some of the mathematics used in the class. Students with a better understanding of introductory atomic level science will be more prepared for some of the concepts discussed in the class.

Description

Physics - Semester A is the first part of a two-semester, full-year course based on the Minnesota 9th - 12th grade science standards. Mathematical concepts are used to help describe observable, measurable events and some less visual natural phenomena. 
 

Prerequisites

It is very helpful if students have passed an Algebra II class and an introductory Physical Science class before taking this Physics class. Students with a better understanding of intermediate Algebra will be more prepared for the mathematics used in the class. Students with a better understanding of introductory scientific measurement and conversion processes will be more prepared for some of the concepts discussed in the class.

Description

Earth/Space Science B is the second semester continuation of the course, and here the course is centered on the Earth, and its formation within our solar system. The course starts with a basic chemistry review of the main elements and compounds that make up the minerals and rocks of the Earth system. The processes of weathering and erosion by wind and surface water are covered, and the basics of groundwater and industrial contaminant processes.  We will then explore how the plate tectonic processes lead to earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building, resulting in the continual transformation of the Earth surface.  The amazing concept of deep time, and the 4.5 billion years of Earth history are covered, along with the fossil formation evident in the sedimentary rock record.  The final unit is then where the student is exposed to atmospheric processes such as weather and climate.

Description

Biology B is the second, semester-long course in the Biology progression and is aligned to the MN State Standards.  Biology is intended to expose students to the designs and patterns of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. The major concepts covered are taxonomy, the chemical basis of life, cellular structure and function, genetics, microbiology, plant structure and function, animal structure and function, and ecology and the environment.
 

Prerequisites

Students need to have successfully completed the Physical Science Course and should be preceded or accompanied by an Algebra I course. In preceding years, students should have developed a foundational understanding of life sciences. Expanding on that, this Biology course will incorporate more abstract knowledge. The student’s understanding should encompass both the micro and macro aspects of life, and this biology course includes both.

Description

Chemistry - Semester B is the second part of a two-semester, full-year course structured around the Minnesota 9th - 12th grade science standards. Chemistry - Semester B builds on the fundamentals taught in semester A while continuing to introduce new chemistry concepts. This course also utilizes the on-line “Edgenuity” learning management system to present chemistry concepts in relevant, real world situations. The second semester of this course continues to require application of basic mathematical calculations while digging deeper into introductory chemistry and scientific analysis.
 

Prerequisites

It is very helpful if students have passed an Algebra I class and an introductory Physical Science class before taking this Applied Chemistry class, but it is not required. Students with a better understanding of basic Algebra will be more prepared for some of the mathematics used in the class. Students with a better understanding of introductory atomic level science will be more prepared for some of the concepts discussed in the class.

Description

Physics - Semester B is the second part of a two-semester, full-year course based on the Minnesota 9th - 12th grade science standards. Mathematical concepts are used to help describe observable, measurable events and some less visual natural phenomena.
 

Prerequisites

It is very helpful if students have passed an Algebra II class and Physics – Semester A before taking this Physics class. Students with a better understanding of intermediate Algebra will be more prepared for the mathematics used in the class. Students with a better understanding of introductory scientific measurement and conversion processes will be more prepared for some of the concepts discussed in the class.

Description

World Geography takes students on a journey around the world in which they will learn about the physical and human geography of various regions. They will study the history of each region and examine the political, physical, economic, and cultural characteristics of the world in which you live. Students will also learn about the tools and technologies of geography such as globes, maps, charts, and global information systems.

Students will also gain practice in writing and note-taking. They will be asked to create graphic organizers, conduct research, analyze information, and write essays on topics such as current events, energy resources, and national parks. 
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

This course fulfills the Minnesota state standards for Citizenship and Government. It is designed to assist the student in developing the skills and knowledge to become an informed citizen ready to participate in the democratic republic we live in.  It covers:

• Purpose of government
• Forms of government 
• Philosophical foundations of the U.S. Constitution
• Structure of our federal government (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches)
• Political party system
• State and local government
• Participatory citizenship (skills)
   

Prerequisites

None

Description

U.S. History Foundations to Present covers early American exploration to the present day, placing special emphasis on the politics of the 18th and early 19th centuries and the Civil War. These areas of focus target three major content strands: History, Geography, and Government and Citizenship. Additionally, students will gain practice in writing essays and reports, covering topics like the Monroe Doctrine, the states’ rights debate, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, isolationism, the New Deal, and the Korean conflict. In addition to the default course program, U.S. History Foundations to Present includes alternate lessons, projects, and tests for use in enhancing instruction or addressing individual needs.

This course covers units 1-5 (Foundations through the Civil War/Reconstruction) 
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

U.S. History Foundations to Present covers early American exploration to the present day, placing special emphasis on the politics of the 18th and early 19th centuries and the Civil War. These areas of focus target three major content strands: History, Geography, and Government and Citizenship. Additionally, students will gain practice in writing essays and reports, covering topics like the Monroe Doctrine, the states’ rights debate, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, isolationism, the New Deal, and the Korean conflict. In addition to the default course program, U.S. History Foundations to Present includes alternate lessons, projects, and tests for use in enhancing instruction or addressing individual needs.

This course covers units 7-10 (Industrial Revolution to the present).
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

World History explores the people, events, and ideas that have shaped history from the beginnings of human society to the present day. Students will study such topics as ancient civilizations, empires, exploration, the world wars, and globalization. Students will also gain practice in research using technology and writing through various projects. In addition to the default course program, World History includes alternate lessons, projects, essays, and tests for use in enhancing instruction or addressing individual needs.

World History A covers units 1-6--beginnings to Middle Ages.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

World History explores the people, events, and ideas that have shaped history from the beginnings of human society to the present day. Students will study such topics as ancient civilizations, empires, exploration, the world wars, and globalization. Students will also gain practice in research using technology and writing through various projects. In addition to the default course program, World History includes alternate lessons, projects, essays, and tests for use in enhancing instruction or addressing individual needs.

World History B covers units 7-11--global expansion of the 1500s to the present.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Students will examine the basic principles of economics, as well as investigate the effect those principles have on every aspect of society. Lessons and projects encourage students to examine a variety of problems from the viewpoint of an economist. They will be completing formal and informal writing using research, while also incorporating media and technology. Economics teaches real life skills that students will be able to apply to their lives every day.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Physical Fitness is a semester-length elective designed for high school students. The course focuses on the health benefits of regular physical activity and of a long term exercise program.

As students work through the course, they will learn about the many aspects of physical fitness, including basic nutrition, the importance of flexibility, cardiovascular health, muscle and strength training, and realistic goal setting. Along the way, students will be required to maintain and submit an activity log in order to measure progress in course exercises, as well as in personal fitness goals.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Health Education is a health science elective course that introduces students to what good health is, why good health is important, and what students should do to achieve good health. Units covered are:

• Body Essentials: This unit introduces the different systems in the human body, showing how the body develops.
• Physical Health: This unit demonstrates to students how they may develop good practices as they promote proper physical health.
• Social and Mental Health: This unit teaches how to establish strong social and mental health through true health wisdom.
• Preventive Healthcare and First Aid: This unit focuses instruction on safety, emergency care, and disease prevention.
• Responsible Living: This unit discusses how students may apply the principles of good stewardship, covering topics like pollution, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
   

Prerequisites

None

Description

The Career Explorations I course is designed to give students an opportunity to explore various CTE subjects. Specifically, students will be able to learn about careers involving human-related services.

Each unit introduces one particular field and explains its past, present, and future. The goal is to whet students' appetites for these careers. Students can then explore that career in more detail as a high school student.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

The Career Explorations I course is designed to give students an opportunity to explore various CTE subjects. Specifically, students will be able to learn about technical fields from computers to agriculture.

Each unit introduces one particular field and explains its past, present, and future. The goal is to whet students' appetites for these careers. Students can then explore that career in more detail as a high school student.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

The Career Explorations I course is designed to give students an opportunity to explore various CTE subjects. Specifically, students will be able to learn about human-related fields including finance, marketing, and construction.

Each unit introduces one particular field and explains its past, present, and future. The goal is to whet students' appetites for these careers. Students can then explore that career in more detail as a high school student.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Career management is a semester-length high school elective course that assists students in their preparation for career selection. The course is designed to improve workforce skills needed in all careers including:

• communication
• leadership
• teamwork
• decision making
• problem solving
• goal setting
• time management

Students will complete activities that help identify personal interests, aptitudes, and learning styles. Students will use results of self-assessments to determine careers that may prove personally satisfying.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

This Creative Living Course is designed to help prepare students for living independently. This course focuses on foods and nutrition.  The students will learn about food preparation, safety and sanitation, and the nutritional value of the foods they eat.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

This Creative Living course is designed to help prepare students for living independently.  This course focuses on preparing students for life in the adult world, with an emphasis on emotional, social, and practical aspects of living on their own.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Environmental Science A is a semester-long introductory course to the topic of environmental science.  Students will develop an understanding of the natural environment, its elements, systems and interactions.  Topics include an introductory unit including ecology, careers, biotic and abiotic elements and systems, then covering organisms and the environment, energy and matter in ecosystems, and the atmosphere and climate change. 
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Environmental Science B is a semester-long course expanding on the base knowledge gained in Environmental Science A.  Using their understanding of the natural environment, its elements and interactions, new topics students will explore include the geosphere and land use, the hydrosphere and water use, using natural resources, and humans and the environment.
 

Prerequisites

Environmental Science A

Description

Essentials of Communication: A Guide to Interacting Effectively in Today's World™ is a five-unit elective course for high school students. The materials cover fundamentals of the communication process important for successful interaction in a variety of social and professional settings. Students can use the course to gain and apply knowledge about communication theories, characteristics of language and language use, interpersonal relationships, group dynamics, and public speaking in order to interact more effectively with others.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

This course introduces students to the study of societies and cultures, with an emphasis on understanding how historical, social, political, and economic factors shape human experiences. By examining the histories of race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture, students will gain insight into how these concepts influence individuals and communities in the United States and around the world. The course encourages students to develop respect for diverse perspectives and to recognize the ways in which cultural traditions and historical experiences contribute to our shared society.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

This yearlong course introduces high school students to the fundamental concepts of anatomy and physiology—including the organization of the body, cellular functions, and the chemistry of life. As they progress through each unit, students will learn about the major body systems, common diseases and disorders, and the career specialties associated with each system. Students will investigate basic medical terminology as well as human reproduction and development. Students are introduced to these fundamental health science concepts through direct instruction, interactive tasks, and practice assignments. This course is intended to provide students with a strong base of core knowledge and skills that can be used in a variety of health science career pathways.
 

Prerequisites

Biology

Description

Introduction to Agriculture, an elective course for high school students, introduces students to both plant science systems and animal agriculture.  Throughout the course students will examine the nature and scope of agriculture in society, the economy, and environment, including aspects of business, health, and safety in agriculture operations.
 

Prerequisites

None. Biology is helpful, but not required.

Description

Beginning with an introduction that builds student understanding of the elements, principles, and characteristics of human communication, this course offers fascinating insight into verbal and nonverbal messages and cultural and gender differences in the areas of listening and responding.  High school students enrolled in this full-year course will be guided through engaging lectures and interactive activities, exploring themes of self-awareness and perception in communication. The course concludes with units on informative and persuasive speeches, and students are given the opportunity to critique and analyze speeches in the course.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

This semester-long course introduces students to the four areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through an interdisciplinary approach that will increase awareness, build knowledge, develop problem solving skills, and potentially awaken an interest in pursuing a career in STEM. Students are introduced to the history, fundamental principles, applications, processes, and concepts of STEM. Students are exposed to several computer applications used to analyze and present technical or scientific information. Finally, students explore the kinds of strategies frequently used to solve problems in these disciplines. 
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Keyboarding and Applications is a semester-long elective that teaches students keyboarding skills, technical skills, effective communication skills, and productive work habits. In this course, students will learn about proper keyboarding technique. Once students have been introduced to keyboarding skill, lessons will include daily practice of those skills. Students will gain an understanding of computer hardware, operating systems, file management, and the Internet. In addition, they will apply their keyboarding skills and create a variety of business documents, including word processing documents and electronic presentations.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

The Parenting, Prenatal Development, and Birth Class is designed to teach students about prenatal development and prenatal care of a child from conception to birth. Students will also learn effective strategies and techniques of parenting.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Personal Finance is a semester-length elective designed to help high school students prepare for success in making financial decisions throughout their lives. Topics in the course address the advantages of making sound financial decisions in both the short and long term, income planning, money management, saving and investing, and consumer rights and responsibilities.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Psychology is an introductory elective course for high school students. Throughout the course students will examine influences on human actions and beliefs, factors influencing behavior and perception, and basic psychological theories. Students will develop and apply their understanding of psychology through lessons and projects that require interaction and observation of others.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Scientific Research is a semester-long high school course that describes activities from the point of view of a professional scientist. The lessons provide support, accessible ideas, and specific language that guide students through most of the steps, insights, and experiences eventually faced if continued through higher education toward a graduate degree. Knowing the practical, everyday basics of scientific thinking and laboratory activity serves as a necessary first step to a career as a technician or a lab assistant. While these jobs are hands-on and technical, the intellectual and historical background covered in the course provides an awareness that is essential to working in such an atmosphere.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Providing insight into the human dynamics of our diverse society, this course is an engaging one-semester course that delves into the fundamental concepts of sociology. This interactive course, designed for high-school students, covers cultural diversity and conformity, basic structures of society, individuals and socialization, stages of human development as they relate to sociology, deviance from social norms, social stratification, racial and ethnic interactions, gender roles, family structure, the economic and political aspects of sociology, the sociology of public institutions, and collective human behavior, both historically and in modern times.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Career Seminar 1 allows students to:

1. discover their personal strengths and abilities,
2. understand opportunities available to them in different career areas, and
3. practice skills necessary to excel in the workforce.

Emphasis is placed on employee rights and responsibilities and occupational safety and hazard prevention in various work environments. This course may also include experiential learning opportunities such as industry tours, informational interviews, or job shadowing.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

ALL students will be required to have a job or a non-paid training/internship assignment for the duration of the work experience program as well as turn in all the required forms promptly. Required forms MUST be turned in to receive a passing grade in the class and students must pass the class to receive credits.

Paid students will turn in weekly, bi-weekly, or semi-monthly copies of their pay stubs. Non-paid volunteers/interns will turn in a weekly time calendar signed by a supervisor or manager and answers to the weekly progress/reflection questions. These documents are how credits are earned in this class.

Students must work a minimum of 180 hours per semester to receive credit in class. This is an average of 10 hours per week. If a student is let go from a job for ANY reason, you’ll need to find a job or non-paid internship assignment within a 3-week period to maintain their hours and credits.
 

Prerequisites

WBL - Career Seminar

Description

Digital Photo is a .5 credit course offered online to students in grades 9-12. Photography is structured around four areas: developing craftsmanship and technique, organizing the art elements through the art principles, using the creative process, and communicating about historical and personal works of art. Students will explore a variety of digital photographic and editing tools, and techniques while applying the elements and principles of the visual arts. Studio activities will focus on composition, camera techniques, editing, and creating photographic works of art.  Through the art that students produce, they will develop reflection and art criticism. Historical styles, techniques and artists will be studied in conjunction with current careers in art.

This course can count as elective credit or toward the art requirement for graduation.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Graphic Design is a .5 credit, semester-long course offered online to students in grades 9-12. Students in this course will explore the commercial aspects of art, focusing on design-thinking and computer software for: photo-editing and layout, typography, vector graphics, and composition.

This course can count as elective credit or toward the art requirement for graduation.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Introduction to Art is a .5 credit, semester-long course offered online to students in grades 9-12. Students in this course will explore a variety of art mediums (such as drawing, painting, and digital photography) while learning to apply the principles and elements of art to their work. The course will also focus on identifying art in students’ everyday lives and using art-making as a method for reflection and personal growth.
This course can count as elective credit or toward the art requirement for graduation.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Nature Drawing is a .5-credit art course that leads students through the process of drawing and sketching natural subjects while also fostering observational skills and a deeper appreciation for nature. The class will cover basic drawing techniques, color theory, and composition, while incorporating nature journaling and field sketching for a hands-on learning experience that gets students outdoors. If you enjoy hunting, bird-watching, or just walking in the woods, this will be a great course for you!

This course can count as elective credit or toward the art requirement for graduation.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Playful Perspectives is a .5 credit, semester-long course offered online to students in grades 9-12. This course takes a playful approach to art - creating and appreciating small moments of art and joy in our everyday life by adopting different perspectives and sharing them with others. No technical art skills are necessary, just a willingness to try, explore, and reflect. 

This course can count as elective credit or toward the art requirement for graduation.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Art History I is a .5-credit, survey course that introduces art within historical, social, geographical, political, and religious contexts for understanding art and architecture through the ages. Art History I offers high school students an in-depth overview of Western European art from the Middle Ages through the Early Renaissance (1000-1550 CE).
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Art History II is a .5-credit, survey course that introduces art within historical, social, geographical, political, and religious contexts for understanding art and architecture through the ages. Art History II offers high school students an in-depth overview of Western European and world art from the Middle Ages through Baroque periods (1200 -1700 CE).
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Art History II is a .5-credit, survey course that introduces art within historical, social, geographical, political, and religious contexts for understanding art and architecture through the ages. Art History II offers high school students an in-depth overview of Western art from the Neoclassical through Modern periods (1700 -1960 CE).
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Art Appreciation - Virtual Museums is a .5 credit, semester-long course offered online to students in grades 9-12.  This course invites students to step inside the world’s great museums where students become digital curators, learning to build their own virtual exhibitions and critique the way art is presented to the public!
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

This course gives an overview of the different types of digital media and how they are used in the world today. Students examine the impact that digital media has on culture and lifestyle. The course reviews the basic concepts for creating effective digital media and introduces a number of different career paths that relate to digital media.

Students will examine some tools used to create digital media and discuss best practices in the creating of digital media. This includes an overview of the process used to create new media pieces as well as the basics concepts of project management.

In the course, students will examine the use of social media, digital media in advertising, digital media on the World Wide Web, digital media in business, gaming and simulations, e-commerce, and digital music and movies. Students will review ethics and laws that impact digital media use or creation.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

History of Rock and Roll, Blues and Jazz is a .5 credit, semester-long course offered online to students in grades 9-12. Students in this course will explore American music history beginning with ragtime and going through to the music of today.  They will discover the instruments, tonalities, cultural elements, and other influences that work together to create the different styles of music that have their roots in the United States.  The course will also focus on developing a listening ear, understanding of the basic elements of music, comparing and contrasting musical styles, articulating personal preferences and expanding their knowledge of the different genres covered throughout the semester.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

This course is part of a worldwide educational movement called media literacy. The goal of the media literacy movement is to educate people about how the media impacts both individuals and society. Students will examine media such as magazines, the Internet, video games, and movies. They'll learn the kinds of strategies that advertisers use to persuade people to buy products. They'll also explore how news broadcasters choose which stories to air. Lessons and projects encourage students to examine ways in which media helps shape our culture and the ways in which our culture shapes the media. While many media literacy courses focus upon learning how to make media, this one will focus exclusively on analyzing the media.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

World Music is a .5 credit, semester-long course offered online to students in grades 9-12. Students in this course will explore music from a variety of countries around the world.  They will discover the instruments, tonalities, cultural elements, and other influences that work together to create the music from different parts of the world.  The course will also focus on developing a listening ear, understanding of the basic elements of music, comparing and contrasting the music of different cultures, articulating personal preferences and expanding their knowledge of the genre of world music.

This course can count as elective credit or toward the art requirement for graduation.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

French IA and IB are .5 credit, semester-long courses. Students begin their introduction to French with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. The course represents an ideal blend of language learning pedagogy and online learning. Each unit consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, and multimedia cultural presentations covering major French-speaking areas in Europe and across the globe.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

French IIA and IIB are .5 credit, semester-long courses. Students continue their introduction to French with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Each week consists of an ongoing adventure story, a new vocabulary theme and grammar concept, numerous interactive games reinforcing vocabulary and grammar, reading and listening comprehension activities, speaking and writing activities, cultural presentations covering major French-speaking areas across the globe, and assessments. 
 

Prerequisites

French I or approval from teacher.

Description

Spanish IA and IB are .5 credit, semester-long courses. Students begin their introduction to French with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.
 

Prerequisites

None

Description

Spanish IIA and IIB are .5 credit, semester-long courses. Students continue their introduction to French with fundamental building blocks in four key areas of foreign language study: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing.
 

Prerequisites

Spanish I or approval from the teacher.